Sign stand with rolling base

TECHNICAL FIELD

p-0002The present invention relates to portable sign stands which have a rolling base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

p-0003Signs and sign stands are used for a variety of different purposes today with virtually all types of businesses. For example, signs and sign stands of various types are used for point of purchase displays, either interior or exterior to the establishment. Signs and sign stands are also used by the traffic control and safety industry to provide notice and/or warnings to passing pedestrians and motorists.

p-0004Many of the sign stands in use today are spring-mounted wind-resistant sign stands. Some of these are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,646,696, 3,662,482, 4,288,053, and 4,548,379. There also are numerous sign stands in use today which use T-shaped legs or weighted bases in order to keep them in place. Where weighted bases are used, it is often difficult to provide appropriate size and weight base in order to provide the best wind-resistance and yet, at the same time, allow the sign stands to be portable.

p-0005Some wind-resistant sign stands with portable bases which can be easily moved from location to location are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,875,578 and 5,878,518 as well as EP 1,120,771 A1.

p-0006It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sign stand which has a weighted base and is readily portable. It is also an object of the present invention to have a portable sign stand which is easier and less expensive to manufacture than known portable sign stands.

p-0007It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable sign stand which has a base member which is easier and less expensive to manufacture. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a portable sign stand which has fewer components than know portable sign stands and which is as durable and similar in performance.

p-0008These and other objects, and purposes of the present invention will become apparent from the following summary and descriptions of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

p-0009The present invention provides a portable sign stand which is an improvement over known portable sign stands. The inventive sign stand has fewer components and is less expensive to manufacture than known portable sign stands and is comparable in performance and durability. The portable sign stand includes a base member and a display sign, and also preferably a resilient or biasing mechanism which allows the display sign to move or flex relative to the base member. The base member has one or more hollow cavities which can be filled with a ballast material, such as sand, water, or the like in order to render it more stable. The resilient biasing mechanism can include one or more spring members which allows the upright display sign to flex or deflect in windy conditions or if inadvertently struck by a person or vehicle.

p-0010The base member preferably comprises a hollow molded plastic member. This provides a relatively light-weight easy to move base member to which sand, water, or other ballast material can be added to stabilize it when and where desired. The base member has one area where the wall structure is increased in thickness in order to provide a stronger and more durable location for placement and attachment of the biasing mechanism and/or display sign.

p-0011In one embodiment, the top and bottom walls of the hollow base member are joined together in one or more places in order to provide the increased thickness. In order to provide portability of the sign stands, one or more wheel members are preferably provided in the base member. In one embodiment of the present invention, the wheel members are positioned on axles and snap-fitted in mating recesses in the base member.

p-0012These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, when viewed in accordance with the attached drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

p-0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of an inventive base member used with the embodiment illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref> depict top and side elevational views, respectively, of the base member shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

p-0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 AND 6</figref> are cross-sectional views taken along lines <b>5</b>-<b>5</b> and <b>6</b>-<b>6</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and in the direction of the arrows.

p-0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a bottom elevational view of the base member shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

p-0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of another embodiment of a base member for use with the present invention.

p-0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref> depict top and bottom elevational views, respectively, of the base member embodiment shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

p-0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11</figref>, <b>12</b>, <b>13</b>, <b>14</b> and <b>15</b> are cross-sectional views taken along lines <b>11</b>-<b>11</b>, <b>12</b>-<b>12</b>, <b>13</b>-<b>13</b>, <b>14</b>-<b>14</b> and <b>15</b>-<b>15</b>, respectively, of the base member shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

p-0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along lines <b>16</b>-<b>16</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>.

BEST MODE(S) OF THE INVENTION

p-0022One embodiment of the present invention is referred to generally by the numeral <b>20</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. This embodiment comprises a sign and sign stand device having a base member <b>22</b> in which the weight can be adjusted and which has roller members <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> in order to allow the sign stand to be easily moved from one position to another.

p-0023The sign stand device <b>20</b> includes a base member <b>22</b> and an upright sign display member <b>30</b>. The sign display member <b>30</b> is connected to the base member <b>22</b> by a pair of coil spring members <b>32</b>, <b>34</b>. Although the invention is shown in the preferred embodiment utilizing a pair of coil spring members connecting the sign display member to the base member, it is also understood that the sign member can be connected to the base member in any conventional manner.

p-0024Preferably the sign display member is connected to the base member by a resilient mechanism in order to allow the sign display member to deflect or flex when subject to contact or wind forces. In this regard, the resilient mechanism could comprise one or more resilient members, such as flat spring members, torsion spring members, coil spring members, leaf spring members or the like. The resilient member could be made of a metal or composite material, or be made of a resilient plastic or elastomeric material.

p-0025The sign display member could also be attached or connected to the base member in a fixed manner which does not bend or flex. The sign display itself could be a rectangular upright member of the type shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and used to display messages, such as advertising or promotional messages. The sign display could also be a construction, road, or commercial sign of any size or shape, and be attached to one or more upright posts or support members.

p-0026Sign stands connected to base members with one or more spring members are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,646,696, 3,662,482, 4,288,053, 5,875,578 and 5,878,518, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Sign stands of this type are sold under the trademark WINDMASTER™ by Marketing Displays, Inc., Farmington Hills, Mich.

p-0027The base member <b>22</b> is preferable molded from a plastic material, such as high density polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like, although other equivalent materials which could fulfill the purposes and objects of the present invention could be utilized. The inside of the base member has one or more compartments or hollow chambers <b>40</b>, <b>42</b>. One or more ports or openings <b>44</b> are utilized to communicate with the chambers so that they can be filled with a liquid or solid ballast material, such as water, sand, or the like.

p-0028The base member <b>22</b> is preferably molded in the size and configuration shown (in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref>) by blow molding techniques, although other molding techniques which can provide the same or comparable structure and benefits could be utilized. With blow molding processing of the plastic base member <b>22</b> in accordance with the present invention, the base members can be produced in substantially less time and with substantially less expense than plastic base members fabricated by other techniques, such as rotational molding techniques. With the preferred fabrication technique, openings or joints are unnecessary and the base can be provided without potential ballast leakage sites.

p-0029Also, in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the invention, the base member has only one or more inlet/outlet ports <b>44</b> for filling/emptying of the internal cavity or cavities <b>40</b>, <b>42</b> and these ports can be readily sealed with an appropriate plug and situated at a position where leakage is not a concern. For example, member <b>46</b> of any conventional type, preferably made of plastic or an elastomeric/rubber material, can be provided to removably seal each of the ports or openings.

p-0030When it is desired to fill the chambers in the base member with ballast, the sign stand <b>20</b> is preferably tipped or positioned at an angle. In this manner, liquid such as water from a hose can be introduced into the hollow chambers through opening <b>44</b>. Plug member <b>46</b> plugs the opening after the base member is filled with ballast.

p-0031When it is desired to empty the base member <b>22</b>, the sign stand <b>20</b> can be tipped over or positioned upside down. This allows the liquid or solid ballast in the base member to flow out of ports or openings.

p-0032The precise exterior appearance or configuration of the base member <b>22</b> is not critical and can be changed according to the designer or user, so long as the objects and purposes of the present invention are maintained. The base member can have a square or rectangular shape as shown in the drawings, or can have a circular, hexagonal, triangular, etc. shape. In this regard, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 8</figref> show two preferred relatively square shapes and configurations <b>22</b> and <b>122</b>, respectively. The base member <b>22</b> can also have relative square-shaped outer corners <b>23</b>A as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, or rounded outer corners <b>123</b>A as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

p-0033A recessed groove or channel <b>50</b> is provided on the upper surface <b>52</b> of the base member. The bottom of the sign display member <b>30</b> or spring members <b>32</b>, <b>34</b> are positioned in the channel <b>50</b> which lowers the center of mass of the sign stand and provides increased stability. The recessed groove or channel also helps add structural stability and integrity to the base member. The channel <b>50</b> is preferably open or unobstructed at one or both ends for drainage of water, snow, or the like, and to prevent accumulation of leaves, trash and other debris. It is understood, of course, that a groove or channel is not critical or necessary to the present invention and that the sign display member and/or resilient mechanism can be simply connected or positioned to the top surface <b>52</b> of the base member.

p-0034The base member <b>22</b> has an upper wall member <b>26</b>, a lower wall member <b>27</b>, and at least two side wall members <b>28</b>, <b>29</b>. And, as indicated earlier, the base member is hollow having one or more internal hollow chambers or cavities <b>40</b>, <b>42</b>. When the base member <b>22</b> is formed, the upper wall member and lower wall member are merged together at one or more locations, forming an area of increased thickness <b>60</b>. In this regard, in the embodiment shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-7</figref>, the upper and lower wall members are fabricated or joined together at one location <b>60</b> which coincides with groove or recessed channel <b>50</b>. In the embodiment shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8-13</figref>, the upper and lower wall members are fabricated or joined together at locations <b>160</b>A, <b>160</b>B and <b>160</b>C in groove or recessed channel <b>150</b>.

p-0035The areas <b>60</b>, <b>160</b> A-C provide increased strength for the base member where the sign display members and/or resilient mechanisms are positioned. In order to attach or connect the resilient members to the base members, holes or openings <b>70</b>, <b>170</b> are formed in the areas <b>60</b>, <b>160</b> A-C. The holes or openings can be formed in any manner, such as by drilling. If two spring members or mechanisms are utilized, the two holes <b>70</b> in base <b>22</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> are utilized. Hole <b>70</b>′ is provided or utilized for a third spring member or mechanism if needed or desired—particularly with large sign displays.

p-0036The spring members <b>32</b>, <b>34</b> can be connected to the base member <b>22</b> with any conventional fastening mechanism, such as bolt and nut fasteners <b>80</b>, <b>82</b> (as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>). One or more washer members <b>84</b>, which can be any conventional type of washer (flat washer, lock washer, spring washer, or the like) can also be provided. The bolt <b>82</b> is positioned through opening <b>77</b> in the lower end of spring member <b>32</b>, <b>34</b>.

p-0037With the present invention, it is not necessary to provide or place bracket members (not shown) on the upper or lower surfaces of the base member in order to connect the sign display members and/or resilient mechanism to the base member. The increased thickness of plastic material in the areas <b>60</b>, <b>160</b>A, B, C obviate the need for metal brackets or other additional structural members to prevent cracking, fatigue or failure of the base member at or adjacent the connection points of the spring mechanisms. It is also unnecessary to provide additional brackets or structural members in order to securely attach the wheel members to the base member, as pointed out below. The elimination of additional brackets or structural members reduces the total cost of the sign stand device and reduces the time to manufacture and assemble the final product.

p-0038A plurality of feet or pods <b>90</b> are provided on the bottom side of the base member <b>22</b>. Preferably four feet <b>90</b> are provided for improved stability. The feet eliminate or minimize wobble or instability which might occur with a flat-bottom base member. The precise member, location, size and shape of the feet members or pods for any particular base member is within the skill of persons in the art and can be dependent on the shape and configuration of the base member itself. With the embodiment of the base members <b>22</b>, <b>122</b> shown and described herein, however, four feet or pod members <b>90</b> are preferably provided.

p-0039For portability of the sign stand device, i.e. the ability to easily move it from location to location, wheel members <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> are provided in recesses <b>100</b> and <b>102</b> respectively on the base member <b>22</b>. Preferably two wheel members are provided although any number can be provided within the scope and purpose of the present invention. The wheel members are provided along one side or edge of the base member so the entire sign display device can be tipped and rolled to a new location. When the wheel members are positioned on the base member, a slight clearance “X” (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) is preferably provided between the bottom of the feet or pod members and the lower edges of the wheel members.

p-0040The wheel members <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> can be provided on a single axle or on separate axle members <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 7</figref>. The axle members snap into mating recesses or grooves <b>108</b>, <b>110</b> in the base member and are held in place in that manner (as better shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15</figref>, <b>16</b>). It is not necessary to drill holes in the base member in order to hold or secure the wheels and axles in place.

p-0041Also, the term “wheel member” is intended to include any type of roller member which can be used to assist in allowing a device to be moved relative to a surface.

p-0042As indicated, the wheels are positioned on one side of the base member and used to accommodate tipping of the sign stand device so it can be moved to other positions. The sign stand could be moved, for example, indoor for security or from one position to another merely for convenience. In order to allow the sign stand device to be moved, the sign stand device is tipped slightly so that the wheel members are fully engaged with the ground surface. In this position, the sign stand can be moved in any direction.

p-0043The corners of the base member can also be angled in order to provide additional clearance for the base member to be tipped for movement. It is only necessary in this regard to angle the two corner members adjacent the wheels, although for aesthetic reasons and uniformity it may be desired to also angle the other corners of the base member.

p-0044Preferably, accordance with the present invention, the hollow portions or chambers in the base member hold between five and ten gallons of liquid material or ballast. The weight of the material in containers or chambers of that size is believed to provide satisfactory stability in windy conditions for the sign stand.

p-0045A base member of the type shown in the drawings also has one or more large or flat surfaces which can be used for advertising members or messages. The advertisements could be decals, inserts, embossing, or the like.

p-0046An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8-13</figref>. The sign stand device <b>120</b> has a base member <b>122</b> and a sign display member <b>130</b>. Similar to the sign stand device and sign display member described above, the sign display member <b>130</b> can be attached to the base member <b>122</b> in any conventional manner such as with coil springs <b>136</b>. The sign display member also can be a rigid or roll-up sign, both of which are commonly known and utilized in the sign stand and display field.

p-0047The structure and purposes of the base member <b>122</b> are similar to those described above with respect to base member <b>22</b>. The primary differences is that the base member <b>122</b> has three separate areas <b>160</b>A, <b>160</b>B and <b>160</b>C where the upper and lower wall members are united. The areas <b>160</b>A, B, C are separated by rib members <b>162</b>, <b>164</b>. This embodiment provides a base member which is slightly stiffer and stronger. The roller or wheel members are also positioned at a different location on the base member.

p-0048As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8-13</figref>, the base member has a lower wall member <b>122</b>, an upper wall member <b>126</b>, two side members <b>128</b>, <b>129</b>, hollow cavities or chambers <b>140</b>, <b>142</b>, and a plurality of feet of pod members <b>190</b>. Recesses or cavities <b>100</b>′ and <b>102</b>′ are provided for positioning of wheel members. Axles on the wheel members are snap fitted into channels <b>108</b>, <b>110</b> in order to hold the wheels in place on the base members. Holes <b>170</b> are drilled or otherwise formed in the areas <b>160</b>A and <b>160</b>C, as well as area <b>160</b>B in some embodiments for use in connecting a sign display member <b>130</b> directly or through one or more resilient spring members <b>136</b>. A recessed hole <b>144</b> is provided on the upper wall surface for a threaded plug member (not shown) in order to form a port for the sand, water or other ballast materials.

p-0049A handle member (not shown) can be provided at one side of the base member, preferably opposite the wheel members. The handle member can be used to manually lift, tilt, or move the base member and sign stand device for adding ballast, removing or emptying the ballast, or simply transporting the sign stand from one position to another.

p-0050While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention as defined by the following claims.